class

How to Be Classy

Being classy is not about being stuck up; it is about having style and taking care to be polite to others and to reflect a genuine interest in them. It is also about being confident in yourself. Here are some methods on how to move through life with relative class and ease.

Steps

Do not be petty. Do not quarrel rather than refer to intelligent debate. Do not insult or put down others to make yourself feel or look better. In reality, this just makes you look desperate. Voice your opinions appropriately and constructively. This encourages your audience to listen carefully and not dismiss your opinions as ad hominem attacks.
Be polite, but never be a doormat. You are required to be courteous to others, but do not bend over backwards. Delimit your time and availability and draw boundaries with others so that they are aware of your limits.
Make sure your clothes fit well and that you are well groomed. Excellent presentation is half of the battle won. Do things to flatter you and never wear anything you feel uncomfortable in. Modesty is key in earning the respect of others.
Ignore the detractors. If people are being rude or boorish to you, either ignore them completely (recommended) or coolly and calmly put them in their place. Never stoop down to their level.
Increase your vocabulary, but do not use words unless you are certain of their meaning. In addition, do not simply toss them in for the sake of using them to appear smart. Use words to express yourself lucidly. Importantly, do not correct others--this does not make you superior. Differences in background, family life, and education cause people to speak differently, and often people will engage in slang for effect. More than this, it is irritating and degrading to be corrected by a know-it-all.
Be honest with yourself. Do not berate yourself, but be constructive and receptive to change. Change is always occurring around you. Be a positive and flexible part of it and show others the way as well. Face life rather than burying your head in the sand and others will know that you are someone whose opinion counts for something.
Do not closely associate with those who make you feel bad or who cheapen you. Surround yourself with positive, polite people who encourage and live your classy, intelligent lifestyle.
Think assertive. Avoid passive-aggressive thinking; this is likely to trip you up eventually as others discover that you are pretending to be nice but then pulling out the rug from under their feet.
Avoid all desperate behavior like the plague. This is the kiss of death for the classy person. There is never any excuse for desperate behavior, even if you are indeed in a desperate situation. Be strong and move through the situation with elegance and grace. You will be the victor for it, no matter the outcome.
Always exercise good social graces! Avoid bad manners, be polite, open doors, etc. Bad manners and poor social graces are unsophisticated and make you look unintelligent.
Break out of the stereotype shackles. Using labels in any way, whether to identify yourself or others, shows a lack of creativity, lethargic social skills, and careful observation.